Threshing/separating device having tined accelerator and/or axial rotor arrangement

ABSTRACT

An axial threshing/separating system having at least one spring tined accelerator cylinder, in where the accelerator cylinder includes a plurality of double torsional spring tine cylinder elements extending from the spring tined accelerator cylinder; and one or more spring tined axial rotors, in where each of the spring tined axial rotors includes a plurality of double torsional spring tine rotor elements extending from each of the spring tined axial rotors, in where each of the spring tined axial rotors is aligned such that a respective longitudinal axis of each spring tined axial rotor is substantially coplanar and substantially parallel to a respective longitudinal axis of each other spring tined axial rotor, and wherein a longitudinal axis of at least one spring tined accelerator cylinder is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of each spring tined axial rotor.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This patent application claims the benefit of U.S. Patent ApplicationSer. No. 62/610,394, filed Dec. 26, 2017, the entire disclosure of whichis incorporated herein by reference.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable.

REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER PROGRAM LISTINGCOMPACT DISC APPENDIX

Not Applicable.

NOTICE OF COPYRIGHTED MATERIAL

The disclosure of this patent document contains material that is subjectto copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to thereproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure,as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent file or records,but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever. Unless otherwisenoted, all trademarks and service marks identified herein are owned bythe applicant.

BACKGROUND OF THE PRESENT DISCLOSURE 1. Field of the Present Disclosure

The present disclosure relates generally to the field ofthreshing/separating devices. More specifically, the presently disclosedsystems, methods, and/or apparatuses relates to a threshing/separatingdevice having a spring tined accelerator cylinder and a spring tinedaxial rotor arrangement for the harvest of peanuts or related root-typecrops.

2. Description of Related Art

It is generally known that peanut and other crop harvesting devices digthe peanut pods or other root-type crops from the ground, shake dirt orother debris from the crop, and thresh the crop so that the peanut podsare separated from the vines. Following separation, the harvestedpeanuts or other crops are conveyed to bins or other carriers forremoval from the field. Typically, the harvest process starts by pullingone or more blades through the earth by a tractor or other methods tocut through the roots of the plant or vines, loosen the surroundingsoil, and invert the crop so that it can be later harvested. Invertedroot-type crops lay in bundles which often contain the crop itself,vines, dirt, debris, rocks, and other foreign materials collectivelyreferred to as a crop mat. Care must be taken to control the shakingaction so that dirt and debris are all that is removed from the peanutvines.

When the crop is ready for harvest, a harvesting device is advancedthrough the field where the previously dug and inverted peanut vines aredrawn into the header portion (gathering mechanism) of the harvestingdevice and are moved towards the threshing portion of the device. Duringthe conveyor process, the crop is shaken so that dirt and other debrisare removed from the peanut vines. The internal conveying process can beperformed many ways. One way is by the use of one or more rotatingcylinders to convey or feed the crop along concave floors (a structureor device that commonly works in conjunction with rotating cylinder(s)or rotor(s) to direct he flow of a crop mat while often providing asecondary benefit of sifting or separating crop or debris from the cropmat through the use of specifically designed holes or perforations inthe concave structure(s). Concaves can be both fixed to limit movementor allowed to move about their longitudinal axis) within the harvester.Although it is commonly understood that rotating cylinders are used forinternal conveying or feeding, they can have more than a single purpose.Having a multipurpose rotation cylinder requires careful design,orientation, and other characteristics making each rotating cylinderunique and special. Furthermore, there are rotating cylinders that aredistinctly unique in their specific functions so that they are oftenreferred to as rotors. A rotor is a rotating cylinder that is operablymounted in the harvester to thresh and separate peanut pods or othercrops away from their vines. The separated product is then conveyed to abin or other short-term storage before being removed from the field forfurther processing. Rotors positioned in an orientation that issubstantially parallel to direction of travel of the harvester arereferred to as axial rotors.

Any discussion of documents, acts, materials, devices, articles, or thelike, which has been included in the present specification is not to betaken as an admission that any or all of these matters form part of theprior art base or were common general knowledge in the field relevant tothe present disclosure as it existed before the priority date of eachclaim of this application.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT DISCLOSURE

Typical harvesting devices can have many shortcomings however, thepresently disclosed system is an advancement or improvement overprevious harvesting technologies.

In various exemplary, non-limiting embodiments, the axial threshing(where the peanut pods are detached from the crop mat) or separating(removing peanut pods from the crop mat) system of the presentlydisclosed systems, methods, and/or apparatuses utilizes a spring tinedaccelerator cylinder and/or one or more spring tined axial rotors in theharvesting process. A spring tined accelerator cylinder comprises of themultiple double torsional spring tined cylinder elements. Whereas aspring tined axial rotor comprises of the multiple double torsionalspring tined rotor elements.

In various exemplary, non-limiting embodiments, the feed system of thepresently disclosed threshing/separating device utilizes one or moreunique, preconditioning cylinder(s) that are used to pre-condition (theact of using the preconditioning cylinder(s) to turn the non-uniformcrop mat originally ingested into the harvester into a more even andconsistent crop mat flow for further processing by the acceleratorcylinder). Preconditioning cylinders are typically transversely mounted,meaning they are substantially perpendicular to the direction of travelof the harvester and commonly extend from one side of the harvestertoward the opposing side. The accelerator cylinders are typicallytransversely mounted, meaning they are also substantially perpendicularto the direction of travel of the harvester and commonly extend from oneside of the harvester toward the opposing side just forward of the inlet(the entrance into a rotor otherwise known as a nose) of one or more,main spring tined axial rotors. Other than feeding, the primaryobjective for this rotating accelerator cylinder is to accelerate aneven crop mat into one or more spring tined axial rotors. The use ofdouble torsional spring tine cylinder elements on the acceleratorcylinder makes this feeding system unique among any other axial rotorfeeding systems. Other designs for example use a drag type chainconveyor or flighted cylinder to feed one or a pair of axial rotors. Aunique aspect of the disclosed system is the use of spring elements.Spring elements, as they are referred to throughout this documentation,should be more clearly understood as, any device or apparatus that hasthe ability to progressively or incrementally apply more force to a cropmat or other opposing objects as the double torsional spring tine isdeflected. Another characteristic of the spring element is its abilityto deflect without sustaining damage or permanent deformation itself. Aspring having a torsional type construction which are commonly made of amaterial that has one or more features typically formed in the shape ofa helix or coil with tangentially protruding tines. When the torsionaltines are subjected to an external force they deflect and return whenthe force is removed. A spring element consists of mentioned spring, afastening device and mount (supporting structure used to affixelement(s)).

The use of other styles of feed cylinders are incompatible, or at thevery least, greatly inefficient in handling peanuts or similar root typecrops. Peanut crop can have a very high vine tensile strength. Manyinter-twined vines, and root mass with clusters of peanut pods, make upthe crop mat drawn into and ingested by a peanut harvester. In addition,the peanut crop is dug from the ground prior to the harvesting process.In return, this means an effective peanut harvester must have theability to handle large amounts of foreign materials such as dirt,rocks, roots, or other subsoil debris or foreign materials.

A spring tined accelerator cylinder is far superior in its ability tohandle foreign materials all while being gentle and efficient enough tohandle delicate peanut pods while minimizing any damaging affects to thepods themselves. The use of double torsional spring tine cylinderelements on a spring tined accelerator cylinder engage the crop matthrough a piercing action which allows the harvester to efficiently andeffectively propel the crop mat for further processing. Along theharvesting process, if an inconsistent (light or heavy) crop mat isingested by the machine, the double torsional spring tine cylinderelements or double torsional spring tine rotor elements are able toapply progressive force to the crop mat without damage and continue topropel the crop mat without impeding flow. Being able to propel the cropmat through a harvester without machine or crop damage, is critical to awell-designed machine.

The accelerator cylinders convey the peanut or other crop mats towardand/or into one or more spring tined axial rotors. The spring tinedaxial rotors provide improved threshing and separating where the peanutpods are detached from and then removed from the crop mat. Whenutilizing more than one axial rotor, a symmetrical inverse of theprimary rotor is often employed. In multi-axial rotor configurations,the longitudinal axes of the rotors often lie on the same plane and areparallel with respect to one another. Another unique aspect of an axialrotor is its inlet, which is distinct in it is are conical in shape andhas auger styled flighting segments which aids in feeding the crop matinto the rotor from one or more spring tined accelerator cylinder.

Axial spring threshing elements are attached or coupled to the perimeterof the rotors. The spring tined axial rotor utilizes one or more doubletorsional spring tine rotor elements with various spacing and patternsalong a perimeter of the spring tined axial rotor. Unlike a rigidthreshing element, a double torsional spring tine rotor element allowsflexibility in the harvesting process when a progressive force needs tobe applied to the crop mat. Without double torsional spring tinecylinder elements or double torsional spring tine rotor elements, damageto a conventional styled system using rigid elements is imminent. Duringthe threshing operation, it is important for the separating elements tokeep materials, especially foreign materials, moving through theharvester so they can be properly processed and expelled. Failure tomaintain a positive flow of material is likely to cause crop and machinedamage, subsequently requiring the harvester to be shut down, inspected,and/or repaired. If a traditional harvester, one that employs rigidelements sustains failure to its rigid elements, then the materialswould stall, causing damage to this area of the device. In contrast, thedouble torsional spring tine cylinder elements and double torsionalspring tine rotor elements of the present disclosure, will flex aroundmaterials as needed while still imparting positive movement to thematerials, then allowing the double torsional cylinder elements anddouble torsional spring tine rotor elements to return to their naturalposition, undamaged. This greatly minimizes harvest downtime and/ormachine damage.

The spring rate, placement, and configuration of the double torsionalspring tine cylinder elements and double torsional spring tine rotorelements provides improved harvesting benefits. In various exemplary,non-limiting embodiments, the double torsional spring tine rotorelements are oriented in a pattern or series of patterns along theperimeter or portions of the perimeter of the main rotor core. Thepattern of the double torsional spring tine rotor elements are based onthe direction of rotation of the rotor. The position, spacing, andgeometry of the double torsional spring tine rotor elements are uniquein that they allow a more natural flow or movement of the crop mat alongthe rotor's axis.

In various exemplary, non-limiting embodiments, the double torsionalspring tine rotor elements are staggered in a helical arrangement. Aside view of the spring tined axial rotor illustrates a staggeredelement pattern (compared to adjacent helices) creating more coverage ofdouble torsional spring tine rotor elements throughout the rotor(s).

In various exemplary, non-limiting embodiments, the double torsionalspring tine rotor elements are independent double torsional spring tinerotor elements of a double torsional spring type construction.

Accordingly, the presently disclosed systems, methods, and/orapparatuses separately and optionally provide an axialthreshing/separating system that is capable of threshing tough crop matsfrom the delicate peanut pods, while discarding various foreignmaterials.

The presently disclosed systems, methods, and/or apparatuses separatelyand optionally provide an axial threshing/separating systemincorporating a new spring tined, axial rotor design.

The presently disclosed systems, methods, and/or apparatuses separatelyand optionally provide an axial threshing/separating systemincorporating a double torsional spring tine cylinder elements anddouble torsional spring tine rotor element.

The presently disclosed systems, methods, and/or apparatuses separatelyand optionally provide an axial threshing/separating system that canhandle continuous debris such as rocks, roots, and other various, commonsub-soil items.

These and other aspects, features, and advantages of the presentlydisclosed systems, methods, and/or apparatuses are described in or areapparent from the following detailed description of the exemplary,non-limiting embodiments of the presently disclosed systems, methods,and/or apparatuses and the accompanying figures. Other aspects andfeatures of embodiments of the presently disclosed systems, methods,and/or apparatuses will become apparent to those of ordinary skill inthe art upon reviewing the following description of specific, exemplaryembodiments of the presently disclosed systems, methods, and/orapparatuses in concert with the figures. While features of the presentlydisclosed systems, methods, and/or apparatuses may be discussed relativeto certain embodiments and figures, all embodiments of the presentlydisclosed systems, methods, and/or apparatuses can include one or moreof the features discussed herein. Further, while one or more embodimentsmay be discussed as having certain advantageous features, one or more ofsuch features may also be used with the various embodiments of thesystems, methods, and/or apparatuses discussed herein. In similarfashion, while exemplary embodiments may be discussed below as device,system, or method embodiments, it is to be understood that suchexemplary embodiments can be implemented in various devices, systems,and methods of the presently disclosed systems, methods, and/orapparatuses.

Any benefits, advantages, or solutions to problems that are describedherein with regard to specific embodiments are not intended to beconstrued as a critical, required, or essential feature(s) or element(s)of the presently disclosed systems, methods, and/or apparatuses or theclaims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

As required, detailed exemplary embodiments of the presently disclosedsystems, methods, and/or apparatuses are disclosed herein; however, itis to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplaryof the presently disclosed systems, methods, and/or apparatuses that maybe embodied in various and alternative forms, within the scope of thepresently disclosed systems, methods, and/or apparatuses. The figuresare not necessarily to scale; some features may be exaggerated orminimized to illustrate details of particular components. All figuresshown are for representational purposes and elements of varying lengthsand weights may be used depending on various conditions. Furthermore,specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not tobe interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and asa representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to employ thepresently disclosed systems, methods, and/or apparatuses.

The exemplary embodiments of the presently disclosed systems, methods,and/or apparatuses will be described in detail, with reference to thefollowing figures, wherein like reference numerals refer to like partsthroughout several views, and wherein:

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of aspring tined accelerator cylinder, according to the presently disclosedsystems, methods, and/or apparatuses. Fastening devices omitted forclarity;

FIG. 2 illustrates a more detailed, perspective view of a portion of anexemplary embodiment of a spring tined accelerator cylinder, accordingto the presently disclosed systems, methods, and/or apparatuses;

FIG. 3 illustrates a top view of an exemplary embodiment of a springtined accelerator cylinder, according to the presently disclosedsystems, methods, and/or apparatuses;

FIG. 4 illustrates an end view of an exemplary embodiment of a springtined accelerator cylinder, according to the presently disclosedsystems, methods, and/or apparatuses;

FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary double torsionalspring tine, according to the presently disclosed systems, methods,and/or apparatuses;

FIG. 6 illustrates a front view of an exemplary double torsional springtine, according to the presently disclosed systems, methods, and/orapparatuses;

FIG. 7 illustrates a side view of an exemplary double torsional springtine, according to the presently disclosed systems, methods, and/orapparatuses;

FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary double torsionalspring tine, fastening device, and element mounting cleat. When thepreviously described are combined they form a double torsional springtine rotor element, according to the presently disclosed systems,methods, and/or apparatuses;

FIG. 9 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary double torsionalspring tine, according to the presently disclosed systems, methods,and/or apparatuses;

FIG. 10 illustrates a front view of an exemplary double torsional springtine element, according to the presently disclosed systems, methods,and/or apparatuses;

FIG. 11 illustrates a side view of an exemplary double torsional springtine, according to the presently disclosed systems, methods, and/orapparatuses;

FIG. 12 illustrates a top view of an exemplary embodiment of a springtined axial rotor, according to the presently disclosed systems,methods, and/or apparatuses;

FIG. 13 illustrates a more detailed, top view of a portion of anexemplary embodiment of a spring tined axial rotor, according to thepresently disclosed systems, methods, and/or apparatuses;

FIG. 14 illustrates a more detailed, perspective view of a portion of anexemplary embodiment of a spring tined axial rotor, according to thepresently disclosed systems, methods, and/or apparatuses. Fasteningdevices omitted for clarity;

FIG. 15 illustrates a more detailed, perspective view of a portion of anexemplary embodiment of a spring tined axial rotor, according to thepresently disclosed systems, methods, and/or apparatuses;

FIG. 16 illustrates an end view of a portion of an exemplary embodimentof a spring tined axial rotor with a perimeter structure according tothe presently disclosed systems, methods, and/or apparatuses;

FIG. 17 illustrates a perspective view of two spring tined axial rotors,aligned with one another, according to the presently disclosed systems,methods, and/or apparatuses;

FIG. 18 illustrates a perspective view of two spring tined axial rotors,a spring tined accelerator cylinder, and two preconditioning cylindersaligned with one another, according to the presently disclosed systems,methods, and/or apparatuses;

FIG. 19 illustrates a perspective view of two spring tined axial rotors,a spring tined accelerator cylinder, and two preconditioning cylindersaligned with one another, according to the presently disclosed systems,methods, and/or apparatuses;

FIG. 20 illustrates a side view of a spring tined axial rotor, a springtined accelerator cylinder, two preconditioning cylinders, a headerpickup, and a header auger, aligned with one another, according to thepresently disclosed systems, methods, and/or apparatuses;

FIG. 21 illustrates a side view of two spring tined axial rotors, aspring tined accelerator cylinder, and two preconditioning cylindersaligned with one another, according to the presently disclosed systems,methods, and/or apparatuses;

FIG. 22 illustrates a diagram of an exemplary harvester incorporatingcertain exemplary elements of the presently disclosed systems, methods,and/or apparatuses;

FIG. 23 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary one or moredouble torsional spring tine(s), fastening device, and elongated supportelement. When the previously described are combined they form a doubletorsional spring tine cylinder element, according to the presentlydisclosed systems, methods, and/or apparatuses. Only a single doubletorsional spring tine is depicted; and

FIG. 24 illustrates a side view of an exemplary double torsional springtine cylinder element, according to the presently disclosed systems,methods, and/or apparatuses.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS OF THE PRESENT DISCLOSURE

For simplicity and clarification, the design factors and operatingprinciples of the axial threshing/separating components and/or systemsaccording to the presently disclosed systems, methods, and/orapparatuses are explained with reference to various exemplaryembodiments of axial threshing/separating components and/or systemsaccording to the presently disclosed systems, methods, and/orapparatuses. The basic explanation of the design factors and operatingprinciples of the axial threshing/separating components and/or systemsis applicable for the understanding, design, and operation of the axialthreshing/separating components and/or systems of the presentlydisclosed systems, methods, and/or apparatuses. It should be understoodthat the axial threshing/separating components and/or systems can beadapted to many applications where axial threshing/separating componentsand/or systems can be used.

As used herein, the word “may” is meant to convey a permissive sense(i.e., meaning “having the potential to”), rather than a mandatory sense(i.e., meaning “must”). Unless stated otherwise, terms such as “first”and “second” are used to arbitrarily distinguish between the exemplaryembodiments and/or elements such terms describe. Thus, these terms arenot necessarily intended to indicate temporal or other prioritization ofsuch exemplary embodiments and/or elements.

The term “coupled”, as used herein, is defined as connected, althoughnot necessarily directly, and not necessarily mechanically. The terms“a” and “an” are defined as one or more unless stated otherwise.

Throughout this application, the terms “comprise” (and any form ofcomprise, such as “comprises” and “comprising”), “have” (and any form ofhave, such as “has” and “having”), “include”, (and any form of include,such as “includes” and “including”) and “contain” (and any form ofcontain, such as “contains” and “containing”) are used as open-endedlinking verbs. It will be understood that these terms are meant to implythe inclusion of a stated element, integer, step, or group of elements,integers, or steps, but not the exclusion of any other element, integer,step, or group of elements, integers, or steps. As a result, a system,method, or apparatus that “comprises”, “has”, “includes”, or “contains”one or more elements possesses those one or more elements but is notlimited to possessing only those one or more elements. Similarly, amethod or process that “comprises”, “has”, “includes” or “contains” oneor more operations possesses those one or more operations but is notlimited to possessing only those one or more operations.

It should also be understood that the terms “threshing/separatingsystem”, “accelerator cylinder”, “axial rotor”, and “tine” are used forbasic explanation and understanding of the operation of the systems,methods, and apparatuses of the presently disclosed systems, methods,and/or apparatuses. Therefore, the terms “threshing/separating system”,“accelerator cylinder”, “axial rotor”, and “tine” are not to beconstrued as limiting the systems, methods, and apparatuses of thepresently disclosed systems, methods, and/or apparatuses.

For simplicity and clarification, the axial threshing/separatingcomponents and/or systems of the presently disclosed systems, methods,and/or apparatuses will be described as being used in conjunction with apeanut harvesting device. However, it should be understood that theseare merely exemplary embodiments of the axial threshing/separatingcomponents and/or systems and are not to be construed as limiting thepresently disclosed systems, methods, and/or apparatuses. Thus, theaxial threshing/separating components and/or systems of the presentlydisclosed systems, methods, and/or apparatuses may be utilized inconjunction with the harvesting of any appropriate crop.

Turning now to the appended drawing figures, FIGS. 1-4 illustratecertain elements and/or aspects of an exemplary embodiment of the springtined accelerator cylinder 100, FIGS. 5-7, and 9-11 illustrate certainaspects of exemplary double torsional spring tines 120, FIGS. 12-17illustrate certain elements and/or aspects of an exemplary embodiment ofa spring tined axial rotor 130, and FIGS. 18-22 illustrate certainelements and/or aspects of an exemplary embodiment of an axialthreshing/separating system, according to the presently disclosedsystems, methods, and/or apparatuses.

In certain illustrative, non-limiting embodiment(s) of the presentlydisclosed systems, methods, and/or apparatuses, the spring tinedaccelerator cylinder 100 comprises a plurality of elongated supportelements 112 or lateral support bars arranged in a substantiallycircular fashion about support element disc(s) 110. A cylinder core 114(a centralized supporting structure of a cylinder or rotor) extends fromone or more of the elongated support elements 112 and is configured soas to allow a rotational force to be applied to the spring tinedaccelerator cylinder 100.

In various exemplary, non-limiting embodiments, as illustrated mostclearly in FIGS. 5-7, each double torsional spring tine 120 comprises ofone or more tines or tine fingers 125 that extend to tine fingerextensions 127. In certain other exemplary, non-limiting embodiments, asillustrated most clearly in FIGS. 9-11, each double torsional springtine 120 comprises of one or more tines or tine fingers 125, without theoptional tine finger extensions 127.

If the tine finger extensions 127 are included, the tine fingerextensions 127 extend from the tine fingers 125 at an angle that issubstantially different from an angle of the tine fingers 125. Each tinefinger 125 extends from a tine coil 123, which provides a spring biasingeffect to each tine finger 125. The spring tine coils 123 are joined bya fastening loop 121. In certain exemplary embodiments, each doubletorsional spring tine 120 is attached or coupled to the element mountingcleat 155 proximate to the fastening loop 121. The double torsionalspring tine 120 provide yielding, yet resilient elements, which areunique to axial threshing/separating as the double torsional spring tine120 adjust to pressure generated from the crop mat. This allows bothlight and heavy crop loads to be threshed and separated with an equaldegree of aggressiveness, while still allowing foreign materials to passthrough the harvester 10 without producing damage to the harvester 10.

It should be understood that the spring rate and force may vary, basedupon the amount of desired flex or resiliency of each double torsionalspring tine finger 125. In these exemplary embodiments, the degree offlex or resiliency provided to each tine finger 125 may be provided bythe inherent flex or resiliency of the material used to form the doubletorsional spring tine 120 and/or the tine fingers 125 or the size orshape of at least a portion of each tine finger 125.

The degree of flex or bias provided to each tine finger 125 and/or tinefinger extension 127 is a design choice based upon the desired degree ofthe formation or flex of each tine finger 125 or tine finger extension127.

A plurality of double torsional spring tines 120 attached or coupled toeach elongated support element 112. In various exemplary embodiments,each double torsional spring tine 120 is included in a double torsionalspring element and is attached or coupled to an elongated supportelement 112 via a fastening device 116. Together, the elongated supportelement, the double torsional spring tine 120, and fastening device 116form a double torsional spring tine cylinder element 157 that isarranged in a pattern or series of patterns. In various exemplaryembodiments, each tine attachment element 116 includes a bolt or otherfastening device. Alternatively, each double torsional spring tine 120may be attached or coupled to elongated support element via frictionalengagement between the double torsional spring tine 120 and theelongated support elements 112, other attachment devices, adhesives,welding, or the like. In still other exemplary embodiments, each doubletorsional spring tine 120 may be formed as an integral extension of theelongated support element 112. One or more double torsional spring tines120 may be fastened to an individual elongated support element in apattern or series of patterns that can also create a double torsionalspring tine cylinder element 157.

A plurality of double torsional spring tines 120 attached or coupled toeach element mounting cleat 155. In various exemplary embodiments, eachdouble torsional spring tine 120 is included in a double torsionalspring element and is attached or coupled to an element mounting cleat155, via a fastening device 116. Together, the element mounting cleat155, the double torsional spring tine 120, and fastening device 116 forma double torsional spring tine rotor element 156 that is arranged in apattern or series of patterns. In various exemplary embodiments, eachtine attachment element 116 includes a bolt or other fastening device.Alternatively, each double torsional spring tine 120 may be attached orcoupled to each element mounting cleat 155, via frictional engagementbetween the double torsional spring tine 120 and the element mountingcleat 155, other attachment devices, adhesives, welding, or the like. Instill other exemplary embodiments, each double torsional spring tine 120may be formed as an integral extension of the element mounting cleat155.

In certain exemplary embodiments, double torsional spring tine 120 areattached to adjacent elongated support element 112 in a staggered oralternating configuration.

Once appropriately attached or coupled to each elongated support element112, each double torsional spring tine 120 extends radially from theelongated support element 112. In various exemplary embodiments, eachelongated support element 112 extends such that a longitudinal axis ofeach tine finger 125 is substantially perpendicular to a longitudinalaxis of the elongated support element 112 to which it is attached orcoupled.

Each spring tined axial rotor 130 is comprised of at least one inputshaft 135, an inlet face wear plate 142, a flighting support frame 140,a leading flight segment 144, an intermediate flight support (mountingstructure between 144 & 146) 145, a trailing flight segment 146, a rotornose core 132, one or more helical element series 150, one or more mainrotor cores 133, and a plurality of double torsional spring tine rotorelements 156.

In various exemplary, nonlimiting embodiments, the longitudinal axis ofat least one of the axial rotors 130 may optionally be arranged so as tobe parallel to the longitudinal axis of one or more additional axialrotors 130 (i.e., such that the longitudinal axes of the axial rotors130 do not intersect, if extended). Alternatively, the longitudinal axisof at least one of the axial rotors 130 may optionally be arranged so asto be substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of one or moreadditional axial rotors 130. The longitudinal axis of at least one ofthe axial rotors 130 is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axisof one or more additional axial rotors 130 if the longitudinal axes ofthe axial rotors 130 would intersect, if extended.

Thus, it should be appreciated that the axial rotors 130 may be arrangedin parallel (as illustrated) or arranged such that the longitudinal axesof the axial rotors 130 diverge from one another as they move toward therear of the harvester 10 or converge toward one another as they movetoward the rear of the harvester 10.

Furthermore, the longitudinal axis of at least one of the axial rotors130 may optionally be arranged so as to be coplanar to the longitudinalaxis of one or more additional axial rotors 130. Alternatively, thelongitudinal axis of at least one of the axial rotors 130 may optionallybe arranged so as to be substantially coplanar to the longitudinal axisof one or more additional axial rotors 130. The longitudinal axis of atleast one of the axial rotors 130 is substantially coplanar to a planeof the longitudinal axis of one or more additional axial rotors 130 ifthe planes of the longitudinal axes of the axial rotors 130 wouldintersect.

During rotation of the spring tined axial rotor 130, about the inputshaft 135, the helically arranged surfaces of the leading flight segment144, the intermediate flight support 145, the trailing flight segment146, and the helical element series 150, causes materials that enter thespring tined axial rotor 130, via the inlet face wear plate 142, to betransitioned along the longitudinal axis of the spring tined axial rotor130.

In various exemplary, non-limiting embodiments, as illustrated mostclearly in FIGS. 12-14 the double torsional spring tine rotor elements156 are arranged in a pattern or series of patterns (such as a helicalor semi helical pattern) around each spring tined axial rotor 130. Thedouble torsional spring tines 120 extend from the spring tined axialrotors 130 and the spring tined axial rotors 130 are spaced apart suchthat there is no interaction or interdigitation of adjacent or opposingdouble torsional spring tines 120.

As illustrated in FIGS. 18-22, the spring tined accelerator cylinder 100is positioned such that a longitudinal axis of the spring tinedaccelerator cylinder 100 is substantially perpendicular to the directionof travel of the harvester. The spring tined accelerator cylinder 100 ispositioned such that the longitudinal axis of the spring tined axialrotor 130 is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of anyadjacent pre-conditioning preconditioning cylinders 160 positioned infront of the spring tined accelerator cylinder 100. The spring tinedaxial rotors 130 are positioned such that their longitudinal axes aresubstantially parallel to the direction of motion of the harvestingdevice.

During use of the spring tined accelerator cylinder 100 and the springtined axial rotor 130 within a harvester 10 for harvesting peanuts, theharvester 10 is operated to remove peanut pods from peanut vines thathave been dug and windrowed. Once separated and cleaned, the peanuts areconveyed into a peanut storage basket and vine material is passed out ofthe harvester 10. In various exemplary embodiments, the harvester 10 ispulled and powered by a farm tractor.

As the harvester 10 is operated, a header pickup 195 of the harvester 10lifts the peanuts and vines off of the ground. A header auger 196 of theharvester 10 feeds the peanuts and vines into the preconditioningcylinders 160. The preconditioning cylinders 160 precondition the vinesinto an even crop mat. One or more perforated, concave floors 170 arepositioned below the preconditioning cylinders 160, such that extracteddirt can fall through the concave floors 170.

In various exemplary embodiments, adjustable overhead teeth positionedover one or more of the preconditioning cylinders 160 can be used tocontrol the aggressiveness of the pre-conditioning performed by theaction of the preconditioning cylinders 160. Once appropriatelypre-conditioned, the spring tined accelerator cylinder 100 operates tofeed the conditioned crop mat through the spring tined axial rotor inlet12 of the harvester 10 and into the spring tined axial rotors 130.

The spring tined axial rotors 130 serve to perform the main threshingand initial separation of the crop. In various exemplary embodiments,extraction concaves 180 surround at least a portion of the spring tinedaxial rotors 130. The concaves 180 are components mounted about the axisof a cylinder or rotor (either above, below or around) which aid in cropmovement as well as threshing and separating. During operation,centrifugal force generated by rotation of the spring tined axial rotors130 separate the pods from the vines. Optional vaned top covers 190 maybe utilized to promote rearward movement of the vine material. Thethreshed vine is discharged at the end of the spring tined axial rotors130 and peanut pods expelled through the axial rotor extraction concaves180 are directed onto the front of a disc separator by an oscillatingslide system.

The concaves 180 may optionally be mounted so as to be stationary or soas to rotate with or relative to the spring tined axial rotors 130, asillustrated by the curved arrow in FIG. 16.

During further processing of the peanut pods, a cleaning fan agitatesthe material on a disc separator to aid in separation and blows lightmaterial such as leaves, immature or diseased peanuts, and other lighttrash over the tail board and out of the back of the harvester 10. Thehigher density good pods fall through the final disc separator 16 to astemmer section, while vine material and sticks advance across the discseparator and out of the back of the harvester 10. As the good pods fallinto the stemmer saws, their stems are removed. Cleaned peanuts fallinto a collection auger system 14 and are conveyed into an elevator airsystem, which sends the cleaned peanuts to a storage bin or basket 18.

While the presently disclosed systems, methods, and/or apparatuses havebeen described in conjunction with the exemplary embodiments outlinedabove, the foregoing description of exemplary embodiments of thepresently disclosed systems, methods, and/or apparatuses, as set forthabove, are intended to be illustrative, not limiting, and thefundamental disclosed systems, methods, and/or apparatuses should not beconsidered to be necessarily so constrained. It is evident that thepresently disclosed systems, methods, and/or apparatuses are not limitedto the particular variation set forth and many alternatives,adaptations, modifications, and/or variations will be apparent to thoseskilled in the art.

Furthermore, where a range of values is provided, it is understood thatevery intervening value, between the upper and lower limit of that rangeand any other stated or intervening value in that stated range isencompassed within the presently disclosed systems, methods, and/orapparatuses. The upper and lower limits of these smaller ranges mayindependently be included in the smaller ranges and is also encompassedwithin the presently disclosed systems, methods, and/or apparatuses,subject to any specifically excluded limit in the stated range. Wherethe stated range includes one or both of the limits, ranges excludingeither or both of those included limits are also included in thepresently disclosed systems, methods, and/or apparatuses.

It is to be understood that the phraseology of terminology employedherein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Unlessdefined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein havethe same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in theart to which the presently disclosed systems, methods, and/orapparatuses belongs.

In addition, it is contemplated that any optional feature of theinventive variations described herein may be set forth and claimedindependently, or in combination with any one or more of the featuresdescribed herein.

Accordingly, the foregoing description of exemplary embodiments willreveal the general nature of the presently disclosed systems, methods,and/or apparatuses, such that others may, by applying current knowledge,change, vary, modify, and/or adapt these exemplary, non-limitingembodiments for various applications without departing from the spiritand scope of the presently disclosed systems, methods, and/orapparatuses and elements or methods similar or equivalent to thosedescribed herein can be used in practicing the presently disclosedsystems, methods, and/or apparatuses. Any and all such changes,variations, modifications, and/or adaptations should and are intended tobe comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of thedisclosed exemplary embodiments and may be substituted without departingfrom the true spirit and scope of the presently disclosed systems,methods, and/or apparatuses.

Also, it is noted that as used herein and in the appended claims, thesingular forms “a”, “and”, “said”, and “the” include plural referentsunless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Conversely, it iscontemplated that the claims may be so-drafted to require singularelements or exclude any optional element indicated to be so here in thetext or drawings. This statement is intended to serve as antecedentbasis for use of such exclusive terminology as “solely”, “only”, and thelike in connection with the recitation of claim elements or the use of a“negative” claim limitation(s).

What is claimed is:
 1. A harvester with a threshing system comprising:one or more preconditioning cylinder(s) mounted in an orientation suchthat a longitudinal axis of each of said one or more preconditioningcylinder(s) is substantially perpendicular to a direction of travel ofsaid harvester, wherein each of said one or more preconditioningcylinder(s) includes a plurality of double torsional spring tineelements attached or coupled to a portion of each of said one or morepreconditioning cylinder(s); at least one accelerator cylinder mountedin an orientation such that a longitudinal axis of said at least oneaccelerator cylinder is substantially perpendicular to said direction oftravel of said harvester, wherein said at least one accelerator cylinderincludes a plurality of double torsional spring tine elements attachedor coupled to said accelerator cylinder; and two or more axial rotorsmounted in an orientation such that a longitudinal axis of each of saidaxial rotors is substantially parallel to said direction of travel ofsaid harvester, wherein each of said axial rotors is aligned such thatsaid longitudinal axis of each of said axial rotors is substantiallycoplanar and substantially parallel to said longitudinal axis of eachother of said axial rotors, and wherein each of said axial rotorsincludes a plurality of double torsional spring tine rotor elementsattached or coupled to each of said axial rotors in a helical patternaround at least a portion of each of said axial rotors.
 2. The harvesterof claim 1, wherein said preconditioning cylinder(s) are oriented aboveone or more perforated concave floor(s), wherein said perforated concavefloor(s) direct a crop mat through said harvester.
 3. The harvester ofclaim 1, wherein said at least one accelerator cylinder comprises a corethat supports said double torsional spring tine elements.
 4. Theharvester of claim 3, wherein said core of said at least one acceleratorcylinder is attached or coupled to an input shaft wherein said inputshaft extends through a longitudinal axis of said at least oneaccelerator cylinder.
 5. The harvester of claim 1, wherein said at leastone accelerator cylinder is comprised of a core, and wherein said atleast one accelerator cylinder is attached or coupled to an input shaftthrough said longitudinal axis of said at least one acceleratorcylinder, and the plurality of double torsional spring tine elementsextend from said accelerator cylinder core.
 6. The harvester of claim 1,wherein at least some of said plurality of double torsional spring tineelements attached or coupled to said accelerator cylinder engage aportion of a crop mat to progressively or incrementally apply a force tosaid crop mat or other opposing objects as said plurality of doubletorsional spring tine elements attached or coupled to said acceleratorcylinder flex.
 7. The harvester of claim 6, wherein said at least oneaccelerator cylinder is positioned so as to allow said double torsionalspring tine cylinder elements of said at least one accelerator cylinderto convey and accelerate said crop mat to said axial rotor(s).
 8. Theharvester of claim 1, wherein one or more of said double torsionalspring tine rotor elements is/are mounted on a perimeter of a main rotorcore of one of said axial rotors.
 9. The harvester of claim 8, whereinsaid double torsional spring tine rotor elements are mounted in apattern or series of patterns on said main rotor core.
 10. The harvesterof claim 8, wherein said double torsional spring tine rotor elements aremounted to one of said axial rotors tangentially and substantiallyperpendicular to said longitudinal axis of said axial rotor.
 11. Theharvester of claim 1, wherein said double torsional spring tine rotorelements progressively adjust to pressure generated from a crop matwhile allowing foreign materials to pass.
 12. The harvester of claim 1,wherein each of said axial rotors comprises a main rotor core, andwherein said axial rotor is attached or coupled to an input shaftparallel to said longitudinal axis of said axial rotor, and wherein theplurality of double torsional spring tine rotor elements extend fromsaid main rotor core.
 13. A harvester with a threshing systemcomprising: one or more preconditioning cylinder(s), wherein each ofsaid one or more preconditioning cylinder(s) includes a plurality ofdouble torsional spring tine elements attached or coupled to a portionof each of said one or more preconditioning cylinder(s); at least oneaccelerator cylinder mounted in an orientation such that a longitudinalaxis of said at least one accelerator cylinder is substantially parallelto a longitudinal axis of said one or more preconditioning cylinder(s),wherein said at least one accelerator cylinder includes a plurality ofdouble torsional spring tine elements attached or coupled to saidaccelerator cylinder; and two or more axial rotors mounted in anorientation such that a longitudinal axis of each of said axial rotorsis substantially perpendicular to said longitudinal axis of said atleast one accelerator cylinder, and wherein each of said axial rotorsincludes a plurality of double torsional spring tine rotor elementsattached or coupled to each of said axial rotors in a helical patternaround at least a portion of each of said axial rotors.